The BMW Championship is the second event of the PGA Tour’s FedExCup Playoffs, bringing the top 50 players in the standings together for one of the most competitive fields of the entire golf season. With only 30 players advancing to the Tour Championship, the pressure is immense and the quality of play exceptional. The 2026 edition takes place from 20 to 23 August.
What is the BMW Championship?
The BMW Championship is the penultimate event of the PGA Tour’s FedExCup Playoffs, a three-tournament series that determines the overall champion of the PGA Tour season. Only the top 50 players in the FedExCup standings after the FedEx St. Jude Championship qualify to compete, and the field is reduced to 30 for the Tour Championship the following week. This means every shot carries enormous weight, as players on the bubble face elimination from the playoff race. The BMW Championship is a 72-hole stroke play event with no cut, ensuring all 50 players compete across all four rounds.
When is the BMW Championship 2026?
The 2026 BMW Championship runs from Thursday 20 August to Sunday 23 August. The first round begins on Thursday, with the final round on Sunday determining the field for the Tour Championship.
Where is the BMW Championship held?
The BMW Championship rotates between prestigious courses across the United States. Past host venues include Wilmington Country Club, Olympia Fields, Caves Valley, and Medinah Country Club. The 2026 venue will be confirmed by the PGA Tour. The tournament is known for selecting championship-calibre courses that test every aspect of a player’s game, with fast greens, narrow fairways, and demanding par-4 finishing holes a common theme.
Key Contenders
The BMW Championship field is loaded with talent, as only the top 50 players from the FedExCup standings are eligible. Scottie Scheffler, who has dominated world golf in recent seasons, will be the player to beat, with Rory McIlroy, Xander Schauffele, Collin Morikawa, and Wyndham Clark also expected to feature prominently. Players who performed well at the FedEx St. Jude Championship the previous week carry strong momentum, while those on the cut line between 30th and 50th in the standings face a do-or-die scenario that often produces dramatic final-round golf.
How to Watch
In the United Kingdom, the BMW Championship is broadcast on Sky Sports Golf, with live coverage of all four rounds. In the United States, coverage is provided by NBC, CBS, and ESPN, with featured group streaming available on ESPN+ and PGA Tour Live. International viewers should check their local broadcast schedules for coverage details.
History
The BMW Championship traces its origins to the Western Open, one of the oldest tournaments in American golf, first played in 1899. BMW took over title sponsorship in 2007 when the event was incorporated into the FedExCup Playoffs. Since then, it has become one of the most anticipated events on the PGA Tour calendar. Notable past champions include Tiger Woods, Rory McIlroy, Patrick Cantlay (whose 2021 victory featured a dramatic playoff), and Jon Rahm. The tournament’s rotating venue format means it visits some of the most celebrated courses in American golf.
Tickets
Tickets for the BMW Championship are available through the PGA Tour’s official ticketing channels and the tournament website. Options include daily grounds passes, weekly badges, and premium hospitality packages. BMW often provides enhanced fan experiences for ticket holders, including interactive exhibits and exclusive viewing areas. Military personnel and first responders typically receive complimentary admission through the PGA Tour’s outreach programmes.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many players advance from the BMW Championship to the Tour Championship?
The top 30 players in the FedExCup standings after the BMW Championship advance to the Tour Championship at East Lake Golf Club, the final event of the playoff series.
Is there a cut at the BMW Championship?
No, there is no cut at the BMW Championship. All 50 players compete across all four rounds, which adds to the drama as every player has the opportunity to improve their position over the full 72 holes.
Why does the BMW Championship change venue each year?
The PGA Tour rotates the BMW Championship between top-tier courses to showcase different styles of golf and bring the event to different regions of the United States, similar to the approach used for major championships.
What happens to players who do not advance to the Tour Championship?
Players who finish outside the top 30 in the FedExCup standings after the BMW Championship see their season end. They do not compete in the Tour Championship and their final FedExCup position is determined by their standing at the end of the BMW Championship.
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